TERRE HAUTE —
Taxing thought for Labor Day
Labor Day is a great time to assess the fruits of our labor and where it goes. According to the Center for Fiscal Accountability, this year the “average American” worked until Aug. 19 just to pay his taxes. It’s true, when one considers income taxes, FICA, property taxes, sales taxes, gasoline taxes, “sin taxes” on alcohol and tobacco, tolls, airline taxes, and etc., the average American sent 63.4 percent of his earnings to the government.
Taxes are never popular, but with nearly two-thirds of our income now being claimed by the government it is clear that most Americans are ready to scream: Enough!
As painful as it is to consider sending nearly two-thirds of one’s individual earnings to the government, here is an equally ominous statistic published by The Tax Foundation: The United States now claims the second highest corporate tax rate in the world.
We are not mired in recession because businesses are lacking money to invest. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal noted that American businesses are sitting on more than $2 trillion but businesses fear to make new investments because of higher tax levels mandated by health care, climate change legislation, bank bailout bills, and elimination of the Bush tax cuts. Why risk one’s capital in uncertain times if the government is only going to claim the profits for social redistribution?
If the federal government needs evidence on the effect of taxes on employment, it need only look at Indiana. Our employment rate and job creation rate remains much higher than surrounding states. In addition, Indiana voters will soon have the chance to permanently cap property taxes that will result in $330 million dollars remaining in the pockets of Hoosiers annually. Economists at Ball State University estimate the tax caps will result in the creation of an additional 100,000 new Hoosier jobs. Lower taxes mean more jobs. Higher taxes mean fewer jobs. Care to make a choice?
Labor Day is normally a quiet, end of the summer bit of leisure. As the recession rolls on, we should perhaps use this holiday to consider our individual tax burdens and the job-killing taxes Washington is about to implement.
— Richard Mourdock
Indiana State Treasurer
Indianapolis
When sale’s over, remove the signs
One point I’d like to make — please take your signs down after your sales. So many people fail to do this and it makes things look bad. We want our city to look nice all of the time.
We have had many yard sales in our lifetimes and always made a special point to go back and remove the signs.
I know how important yard/garage sales are for all people — on both sides. It helps people with money and that is the name of the game. In these economic times it is such a great way to help all people.
Just a friendly reminder for 2011. Good Luck in your future sales.
— Joy McCrisaken
Terre Haute
Letters
Readers' Forum: Sept. 3, 2010
- Letters
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READERS' FORUM: Feb. 14, 2012
• Free us from 'Republicanism'
• Eagles take pride in group’s work
• Be careful what you strive for
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READERS' FORUM: Feb. 12, 2012
• White’s opponent entitled to office
• Positive moves for healthy foods
• Thanks from the Super Bowl XLVI Host Committee
• Doctor’s diet plan helps her arthritis
• Great support for fundraiser
• A few thoughts moving forward
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READER'S FORUM: Feb. 11, 2012
• Controlling crows everyone’s job
• Strong plan needed to fight Alzheimer’s
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READERS' FORUM: Feb. 10, 2012
• How about a parade for war veterans?
• Rubber reptiles will chase off crows
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READERS' FORUM: Feb. 9, 2012
• Award proves art teacher’s special
• Technicality hits cancer patient
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READERS' FORUM: Feb. 8, 2012
• City engineer sets high standard
• More than paper to protect rights
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Readers' Forum: Feb. 7, 2012
• Kodak moment for America?
• Let’s not bring back serfdom
• IU-Purdue game a nice diversion
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READERS FORUM: Feb. 5, 2012
• Why does Howey keep attacking Mourdock?
• Thanks for the commitment
• Accurate view of pipeline issue
• Oil pipeline is a pipe dream
• Not all workers belong to unions
• Unions protect working people
• Terre Haute Zoning issue unites neighbors
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READERS' FORUM: Feb. 4, 2012
• Defending Bain, attacking Harrop, praising Romney
• Break a CFL? No reason to panic
• GOP’s timing not so super
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READERS' FORUM: Feb. 3, 2012
• Keep pressure on the Pentagon
• Supportive words for Jim Mann
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READERS' FORUM: Feb. 2, 2012
• There are reasons unions are needed
• Why so hard to get a tow here?
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READERS' FORUM: Feb. 1, 2012
• Better options for Deming Park area
• Tuskegee Airmen had local member
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 31, 2012
• Science from the heavens
• Unions exist to aid the worker
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 30, 2012
• Right-to-work bill hurts state’s workers
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 29, 2012
• Obama wrong on recess appointments
• Thanks for honoring ‘Soup’ at his passing
• Mercury more danger than coal emission?
• Beware employers who cut corners
• All beliefs need to be respected
• People’s decency becomes evident
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 28, 2012
• Don’t muzzle North’s ‘Woelf Pack’
• The true legacy of coach Paterno
• Bullet holes suggest dangerous gun use
• Union coercion in right-to-work issue
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 27, 2012
• Labor bill would divide unions
• GOP sure to retain Statehouse control
• Internet lies about liberalism and more
• National debt backs job growth numbers
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 26, 2012
• Right-to-work law wrong for workers
• Put labor law on the ballot
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 24, 2012
• Super Bowl raises parking, gas prices
• Obama should OK energy job issue
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 23, 2012
• Keystone pipeline is needed now
• Great seasons for South Vigo sports
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 22, 2012
• Distorted view of mine’s practices
• Planning is necessary to ensure free market
• Bring back one-class tourney
• Wonderful book for a great cause
• Liberals no longer hold moral ground
• Another great holiday tourney
• A few things to think about
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 21, 2012
• Protect our kids from mercury
• Older drivers have safety opportunity
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 20, 2012
• Workers should pay fair share
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 19, 2012
• Two sides to labor issue
• Learn more about right-to-work law
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READERS’ FORUM: Jan. 18, 2012
• Facts show labor bill is bad idea
• Rural road needs more attention
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 17, 2012
• Embracing those liberal definitions
• People responded to help after mishap
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 15, 2012
• Breaking unions and middle class
• Union dues have favorable results
• Labor law hasn’t hurt fed workers
• Labor bill mean and destructive
• Indiana’s friendly business confines
• Ideal spot for new housing
• Americans need some motivation
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 14, 2011
• Solutions lie in compromise
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 13, 2012
• Great stories to warm your heart
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READERS' FORUM: Jan. 12, 2012
Interference? No.
Opportunity? Yes - More Letters Headlines
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READERS' FORUM: Feb. 14, 2012








